Love Is Not Blind

Blind dates and Provo, UT. Its almost like Peanut Butter and Jelly.

Let me give you a general rundown of how this tends to happen. One day, you're innocently chatting it up with a friend, coworker, cousin, whoever, who is more than likely married or in a serious relationship. Everything is going well and the line comes: "I have someone I want to set you up with". Oh hell. But usually you smile and say: "oh really? who?"

Now it gets tricky. You know this person has your best intentions in mind. And although you're prefectly content being single and really not looking for anyone, they are just trying to help. Common mistake. So as to not hurt any feelings, cause awkwardness, and really because you have no reason not to, you agree to being set up.

I have gone on my fair share of blind dates. I'm not sure why...but people just LOVE to set me up! Now, i'm not saying they have all been horrible. I've gone out with guys who are super nice, super great, they just aren't my type, there's no spark and I can't pretend like there is. My question is how can there be? You just met in a forced manner. Its awkward and so unnatural. You're total strangers, so you act in a way that is appropriate which is very surface-level-almost fake-blah blah blah. Needless to say, i've never had a blind date that turned into anything more.

So recently, my boss wanted to set me up with his neighbor. I decided to take my boss's advice and play a little "joke" on the guy. We go up to Sundance and ride the ski lifts, just chat it up and what not. Then we go to CPK and the following conversation takes place:

Date: "what's one thing that people might not know about you?"
Me: "well...I have a kid." *His eyes widen and maybe stops breathing for 1/2 a second
Me: "yeah...it was a long time ago, I was young...he lives with his dad back in arkansas and so I see him when I go home in the summers and over christmas. I wanted to give him up for adoption, but the father wanted custody. I figured its best that way, bc i'm able to keep living my single life out here and have fun."
Date: "Yeah...So is he married now?"
Me: "No, not that I know of...."
Me: "you're totally freaked out now, aren't you?"
Date: "oh, no, i just never would have guessed that!"
Me: "yeah...kinda crazy... So what about you?!"

Now that is funny. I think I pulled it off nicely and when he dropped me off I told him it was a joke. But I figured, so long as I'm going on these dates, I might as well have a little fun with it!

Single Minded

So, obviously today is Valentines Day. I really don't like this holiday...maybe its because I'm a bit cynical? I'm a realist and I can't help it. Instead of boring you all with my reasons for why I'm not a huge fan, I'm going to reflect on the positive side of valentine's day for singles.

Being Single. It really is a great thing. And I'm going to tell you why.

1. VarietyHere's my analogy: Imagine going to coldstone and only being able to sample one flavor. Where's the fun in that? That's what being in a relationship is like. You're limited. Well, since i'm single, I don't have to stick with one; I can sample as many flavors I want. Being single is the opportunity to indulge and reject all sorts of people. This kind of freedom doesn't last forever, so I might as well enjoy it while i can!

2. Excitement
Life is all about transitions while you're single. It's more or less a fact that single people go out more often and meet more people than those who are already part of a couple. Being young and single-- I don't know what tomorrow will bring, let alone next month or next year. And I love that.

3. Time
Single people have a very valuable commodity: free time. When I get off work my time can be filled doing exactly what I want, with who I want – unlike people with partners and the many time-consuming commitments that relationships bring. Its nice.

4. Looking better
If you're single, it's easier to get fitter, be slimmer and look better - and there is more incentive to do so. It's more common for people in relationships to cook, eat and 'vegg out' together, none of which does their waistlines, or their looks, any favors. I'm sorry guys, I'm just saying it how it is.

5. No compromiseAsk any couple what the hardest thing about being married is, and they will probably say, "having to compromise". As someone who is single, what to watch on tv, where to go for dinner and where to go on vacation are tastes I can indulge without having to take on board the opinions of another. Maybe i'm just selfish??

6. SpontaneityI'm allll about spontaneity. I can appreciate the fact that if I get a last-minute invitation to a social event I can drop everything and go. Want to rush off to LA for an impromptu weekend? There is no one to stop you – and no one you have to take along.


So to sum up, being single isn't all that bad. Don't let Valentines Day make you believe otherwise.